Boating off the California Coast

In response to questions received from boaters requesting information regarding the impoundment of an American vessel in Ensenada because it lacked a Mexican license for the shipboard marine band radio, an individual who is active in the region's maritime industry sent me the following comments:

"We all realize that coastal security is receiving a higher priority these days. There's no new campaign to check whether or not all yachts are carrying a Mexican VHF license. Most recreational and commercial boaters realize that when they are routinely boarded by either Mexican Navy or US Coast Guard, whether on the high seas or during normal port clearance procedures, the boat is inspected for a long list of compliance items - from whether the ship's bell is mounted and gongs properly to whether everyone onboard has a valid passport. It's the boarding officer's discretion whether or not to pursue any of the minor infractions that almost every boat has. If he or she finds something suspicious on first glance, the lack of a VHF license may be the small charge that brings the vessel into port for further physical inspection while the vessel's paperwork trail is being checked internationally."